Lois Jean Gilbert was born, January 21, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Rosa C. Miller and Kenneth R. Miller. She was the second youngest of 8 children. “Auntie” Lois as she was fondly called, by St. John Church members and friends confessed her life to Christ at an early age. She joined St. John A.M.E. Church in 1937 and was a dedicated member for 85 years! She loved going to church! She once said, “It makes “The Day” special!”

She attended John Burroughs and Giddings Elementary Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1947. She was an avid basketball fan, dancer, and actress in school plays, skater, and gym leader.

Lois was united in Holy Matrimony to Benjamin F. Ingram, on August 14, 1948. To this union, they welcomed 2 children: Sherry and Penny (deceased).

In 1958, Lois received her LPN license at Jane Addams School of Practical Nursing. She worked at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio, for over 30 years. Coupled with her bubbly personality, excellent nursing skills, and sense of humor, she was able to keep the patients’ spirits uplifted while nursing them back to health. She undoubtedly loved her work.
On April 11, 1960, her husband of 12 years passed away at an early age. Lois continued to raise 2 children alone, while working as a nurse, and tending to her elderly mother. However, through it all, she kept her faith in God and continued her dedicated missions and duties at St. John A.M.E. Church and the ICUA. (Interdenominational Church Ushers Association)

On September 28, 1973, Lois married her 2nd husband, Melvin Gilbert, who passed away after several years of marriage.

Her duties at St. John A.M.E. Church over the years included the following:

• Serving on Usher Board # 1
• Recording Secretary for Usher Board #1
• Steward
• Quarter Century Club Member
• Choir Member for Special Events
• Class Leader
• Play Director
• Received Certificate Of Appreciation As A Revered Senior Member Of St. John A.M.E. Church

Her duties with the ICUA included the following:

• Attending Church Anniversaries Regularly
• Received Award For Serving As Co-Chairperson On Sick Committee-1972
• Awarded Special Recognition At The Diamond Jubilee Anniversary-1994
• Awarded Special Honors Of Appreciation-2004
• Dedication & Faithful Service Plaque Awarded-2014

“Auntie” Lois’s Interests and Hobbies Included:

• Traveling On Bus Trips with the Church Members & Friends
• Visiting Hawaii & Las Vegas
• Making Her Famous Strawberry Cheesecake & Lemonade for Church Picnics
• Attending Plays, Musicals, Movies, & Restaurants
• Reading Mystery Novels

In 2010, Lois’s health started to decline. She was a resident at Stratford Nursing Facility for 12 years plus. She was very determined to live and struggled through several illnesses.

Auntie Lois loved the Lord, her church, her children, her friends/family, and the people @ UH.

She exchanged time for eternity with the Lord on November 7, 2022. She leaves to cherish her memories with her loving and devoted daughters, Sherry L. Stovall and Penny D.Williams, (deceased) her special cousins, William and Johnetta Brown of Baltimore, Maryland, her life-long dedicated friends; Eva M. Andrews, (deceased) Lela P. Howard, Irene McGlothan, Barbara Fuller, Evelyn Bryant, and a host of other friends, church family, and relatives.

Humbly Submitted
The Family